Government Cracks Down on OTT Platforms: 18 Blocked for Obscene Content

The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting announced in a Lok Sabha session on Wednesday that the government of India has taken a big step against the distribution of obscene and vulgar content by closing down 18 Over-the-Top (OTT) sites.

Responding to a question posed by Shiv Sena-UBT MP Anil Desai, Minister Murugan pointed to the enforcement of the IT Rules, 2021, which impose rigorous due diligence requirements on intermediaries. These rules compel intermediaries to make reasonable efforts to prevent the display or distribution of obscene, pornographic, or otherwise harmful material.

"The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has collaborated with various intermediaries and blocked 18 OTT platforms as of March 14, 2024, for publishing obscene, vulgar, and, in certain cases, pornographic content, as detailed in the statement released by MIB."

In response to further enquiries regarding digital news publishers, Murugan emphasised the necessity for digital news platforms to adhere to the 'Norms of Journalistic Conduct' set by the Press Council of India, along with the Programme Code established under the Cable Television (Network Regulation Act, 1995).

Moreover, he stated that significant social media intermediaries are also required to appoint a Chief Compliance Officer to ensure adherence to the Act and the associated regulations.